The two organizations will partner to produce AracaWorks: Chicago, a weekend of readings of world-premiere American plays Aug. 7-9 in Chicago. One of the three plays will receive a year of development, including a workshop production the following summer at ATC.

Additionally, ATC's planned production of Little Shop of Horrors will be replaced by a new musical. As a result, the Company's 2014-15 season entirely comprises world and Chicago premieres. The name of the musical will be announced at a later date.

"Season 30 is all new work. The best way to celebrate our 30th anniversary is by investing in the future and boldly committing ourselves to world premieres," artistic director PJ Paparelli said in a statement. "The Araca Group are innovators and risk takers among Broadway producers. They imagine future Broadway seasons with new American plays tackling relevant issues. They believe in Chicago's role in nurturing new plays and musicals onto the national stage. ATC is honored to be working together with some of the most passionate and talented creative minds in the business."

"This collaboration with the American Theatre Company excites us to no end," Amanda Watkins, executive vice president of production and development at The Araca Group, added. "PJ Paparelli's fervent commitment to playwrights and their work is a beacon for all of us committed to the development of new plays. We are thrilled AracaWorks in Chicago can serve as a forum for the question 'What does it mean to be an American?' With the nurturing environment fostered by PJ and his team, we look forward to exploring the brave voices offering an answer."

The Araca Group has produced Broadway productions of Urinetown, Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, The Wedding Singer, Lend Me a Tenor and A View From the Bridge. The Araca Group has previously partnered with ATC in the development of Yeast Nation and on the world premiere of Ayad Akhtar's Disgraced. Visit araca.com for more information.